Preparation of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite particles on vermiculite by precipitation and sonication

Abstract

Ca-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDH) is biocompatible, cheap material used in implants and non-biological applications. Due to similarity of CDH with human hard tissues, it is suitable for manufacturing of bone substituents. Clay minerals are suitable natural and non-toxic materials used as substrates for the growth of nanoparticles. Combination of nontoxic nature of the clay minerals with CDH is possible to achieve nanocomposites with properties advantageous for medical or catalytic applications. The aim of the study was to prepare CDH on the surface of a monoionic Na/Mg form of original vermiculites (Vs) from Brazil and Bulgaria. The CDH was prepared by precipitation under constant mixing or sonication conditions. XRD analysis confirmed that CDH was successfully prepared on the V surfaces, and the type of V did not influence CDH creation. Basal reflections of vermiculites do not show changes indicating an interaction between vermiculites and CDH. No interactions between V and CDH were observed in FTIR measurement and fitting analysis. Scanning electron microscopy shows creation of CDH particles and coherent layer on the V surface. The results showed that V serves as a support for CDH particles and probably does not influence the chemistry of CDH.